Hubbry Logo
Thornton ChandlerThornton ChandlerMain
Open search
Thornton Chandler
Community hub
Thornton Chandler
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Thornton Chandler
Thornton Chandler
Thornton Chandler
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Thornton Chandler (born November 27, 1963) is an American former professional football tight end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the University of Alabama.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Chandler attended William M. Raines High School, where he was switched from wide receiver to tight end, after he grew up to 6–5 feet and 240 pounds as a freshman. As a senior he received All-American honors. Against Lake City High School, he had 10 receptions for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns.[1] He received All-City honors twice, even though he was mostly a blocker in his team's wishbone offense, finishing his career with 29 receptions and 4 touchdowns.[2]

As a freshman at Florida A&M University, he played the flanker and tight end positions, before deciding to transfer to the University of Alabama after just two games.[3]

At Alabama he was named the starter in 1983 and became an accomplished blocking tight end in the team's run-oriented offense. In 1985, he was the team's third-leading receiver, registering 16 receptions for 244 yards. In 32 games, he posted 32 receptions for 504 yards (15.8-yard average) and 2 touchdowns.

Professional career

[edit]

Dallas Cowboys

[edit]

Chandler was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round (140th overall) of the 1986 NFL draft.[4] As a rookie, his first 2 receptions went for touchdowns. He was Doug Cosbie’s backup for two years, until earning the starting job in the fifth game of the 1988 season.

The next year Thornton broke his wrist playing basketball, before the start of training camp which affected his play. This resulted in losing his starting job to Steve Folsom and eventually being waived on October 18, 1989.[5] In three-plus seasons, Thornton was mostly known for his blocking ability. He recorded 29 receptions for 268 yards and 4 touchdowns.

New York Giants

[edit]

On April 12, 1990, the New York Giants signed Chandler as a free agent, but he was released before the start of the season.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

Chandler was the director of the Boys & Girls Club in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He also serves as a football assistant coach at Anthony Aguirre Middle School in Houston, Texas. His son Kolby was on the 13th season of USA version of MasterChef.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Thornton Chandler

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thornton Chandler (born November 27, 1963) is a former American professional who played as a in the (NFL) for the . Drafted in the sixth round (140th overall) of the out of the , Chandler had a brief career spanning four seasons from 1986 to 1989, appearing in 49 games primarily as a backup. Over his professional tenure, he recorded 29 receptions for 268 receiving yards and four touchdowns, contributing to ' offense during a transitional period for the franchise. Chandler's college career began at before transferring to , where he honed his skills as a known for his blocking and occasional receiving contributions. In the NFL, his most notable season came in , when he achieved personal bests with 18 receptions for 186 yards and one . Despite limited playing time behind established starters like , Chandler's role underscored the depth of the ' tight end position during the late 1980s, a time when the team was rebuilding under coach before the dynasty era under Jimmy Johnson. Post-retirement, Chandler has maintained a low public profile, with no major coaching, broadcasting, or business ventures prominently documented in . His legacy remains tied to his contributions as a reliable reserve player for one of the NFL's storied franchises.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Thornton Greene Chandler was born on November 27, 1963, in . He was the son of Tommy Chandler Sr. and Merceda Delorys Cherry, both residents of Jacksonville. Chandler grew up in a close-knit family with three siblings: an older sister, Synetta Renea Chandler (born March 9, 1958), and brothers Tommy Chandler Jr. and J. Todd Chandler. The family resided in Jacksonville, a city experiencing significant activity during the .

High school career

Thornton Chandler attended in , where he emerged as a standout in football. As a for the Raines Vikings, Chandler earned recognition as one of the top players in Northeast , being selected to the inaugural Super 11 team in 1980—the region's premier all-star honor at the time. This accolade highlighted his physical prowess and contributions on the field, marking him as the first Super 11 selection to later reach the . Chandler's high school recruitment drew interest from colleges, culminating in his signing with , reflecting his status as a promising prospect from the Jacksonville area.

College career

Florida A&M University

Following his standout high school career at in , where he earned All-American honors as a , Thornton Chandler enrolled at in 1981. Chandler's tenure at FAMU proved short-lived, as he participated in limited action during his freshman season before deciding to transfer to the University of Alabama.

University of Alabama

Chandler transferred to the from prior to the 1983 season. Over three seasons with the Crimson Tide from 1983 to 1985, he established himself as a reliable , appearing in 33 games and contributing to the team's offensive lineup under . His overall statistics at included 32 receptions for 504 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Chandler's most productive receiving season came in 1983 as a , when he recorded 14 catches for 233 yards. Production dipped in 1984 with just 2 receptions for 27 yards, before rebounding in 1985 with 16 catches for 244 yards and both of his touchdowns. A notable moment occurred during the 1985 against Auburn, where targeted Chandler on the first play of Alabama's game-winning drive, though the pass fell incomplete amid heavy defensive coverage. As a in Alabama's run-heavy offense, Chandler's consistent blocking and downfield presence supported the ground game and balanced the passing attack, playing a key role in team dynamics during his tenure. These contributions highlighted his development and versatility, leading to his selection by the in the sixth round (140th overall) of the .

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Thornton Chandler was selected by the in the sixth round, 140th overall, of the out of the . He signed with the team shortly after the draft and began his professional career as a . In his rookie season of 1986, Chandler appeared in 15 games with one start, recording 6 receptions for 57 yards and 2 touchdowns. One notable contribution came in the season opener against the , where he caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback , helping the Cowboys secure a 31-28 victory. His early production demonstrated the blocking and receiving skills honed during his college career at . The 1987 season saw Chandler play in 12 games with one start, managing 5 receptions for 25 yards and 1 touchdown. Limited by fewer opportunities behind established tight ends, he contributed mainly on special teams and as a rotational player under head coach Tom Landry. Chandler's most productive year came in 1988, when he started 12 of 16 games and posted career highs with 18 receptions for 186 yards and 1 touchdown. A highlight was his performance against the New Orleans Saints on October 3, where he gained a career-best 35 receiving yards, including a 29-yard long reception, despite the Cowboys' 20-17 loss. This season marked his emergence as a reliable option in the passing game alongside teammates like Herschel Walker. In 1989, Chandler's role diminished, as he appeared in only 6 games without a start or reception. Over his four seasons with the , he totaled 29 receptions for 268 yards and 4 touchdowns in 49 games, primarily serving as a backup focused on blocking and occasional red-zone targets.

New York Giants

After his tenure with the , Thornton Chandler signed with the as a . The signing occurred in April 1990, bringing the veteran blocker to a team seeking depth at the position amid uncertainties with star Joe Bavaro's knee injury. Chandler participated in the Giants' training camp, where he competed alongside Howard Cross and Bob Mrosko as one of the healthy tight ends vying for snaps in an offense adjusting to potential absences. However, as the preseason progressed, the Giants prioritized younger or more established players at the position, leading to Chandler's release during final roster cuts on September 3, 1990. This move was part of a broader wave of waivers that included running back Joe Morris and several defensive backs, reflecting the team's efforts to trim to the 47-player limit before the regular season opener. The unsuccessful stint with the Giants effectively concluded Chandler's professional playing career, as he did not secure another NFL contract following his release.

Later life

Community and coaching roles

After retiring from his NFL career, Thornton Chandler transitioned into roles focused on youth mentorship and sports development. He served as director of the Boys & Girls Club in . In the mid-2010s, Chandler served as head football coach within the Channelview (ISD), where he emphasized building character alongside athletic skills; during a 2016 "Donuts with Dad" event at Anthony Aguirre Junior High, he highlighted the importance of teaching and manners to children, stating, "Saying ‘Yes sir’ and ‘thank you’ might sound like small things, but showing for others leaves quite an impression. It shows that good manners are important to you as an adult." Earlier, in the early , he contributed as a coach at Kingwood Park High School in , supporting football programs and mentoring student-athletes. As of September 2025, Chandler continues his involvement in as a teacher, Boys Athletics Coordinator, and head football coach at Anthony Aguirre Junior High School in , overseeing programs that include football, , and track & field to foster teamwork and personal growth among middle school students.

Family life

Thornton Chandler, born in , relocated to following his professional football career, where he and his family settled in the area. He has been married to Karen Chandler, with whom he raised four sons: Kyle, Thornton Jr., , and Kolby. The family maintains a close-knit dynamic, with Chandler's sons pursuing diverse paths influenced by their upbringing in a sports-oriented household. , the eldest, played as a defensive lineman at from 2007 to 2013. Kolby Chandler gained public recognition as a contestant on Season 13 of MasterChef (USA) in 2023, representing the South region as a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Houston; he advanced to the top 7 before his elimination in the episode aired September 6, 2023, showcasing skills honed in family kitchens.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChanTh00.htm
  2. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/thornton-chandler-1.html
  3. https://www.nfl.com/players/thornton-chandler/stats/career
  4. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ChanTh00/gamelog/1988
  5. https://www.statscrew.com/football/stats/p-chandtho001
  6. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/timesunion/name/synetta-chandler-latson-obituary?id=44428365
  7. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/28041191/synetta-renea-chandler-latson
  8. https://www.thejaxsonmag.com/article/the-pearson-brothers-a-jacksonville-civil-rights-story/
  9. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2021/02/01/little-know-moments-in-black-history-in-jacksonville/
  10. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/09/10/super-11-all-time-facts-figures-and-selections/3456894001/
  11. https://www.al.com/sports/2016/11/remembering_the_1985_iron_bowl.html
  12. https://www.footballdb.com/players/thornton-chandler-chandth01
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/09/09/sports/cowboys-defeat-giants-on-walker-s-touchdown.html
  14. https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=NVR19900413.1.10
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/04/sports/football-giants-plan-for-life-with-and-without-bavaro.html
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/12/sports/pro-football-reasons-signs-2-year-contract.html
  17. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/09/03/Giants-waive-rushing-leader-Morris/3267652334400/
  18. https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/04/sports/transactions-712490.html
  19. https://alchetron.com/Thornton-Chandler
  20. https://www.northchannelstar.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/NC-STAR-Oct-13-2016.pdf
  21. https://247sports.com/college/texas/article/recruiting-scoop-saturday-update-14971/
  22. https://www.cvisd.org/page/athletics
  23. http://aajhsports.weebly.com/about-us.html
  24. https://www.cvisd.org/o/aajh/staff?page_no=4
  25. https://user-35215390377.cld.bz/Channelview-September-2025/Cover
  26. https://www.al.com/life/2023/06/look-for-alabama-farmer-savannah-miles-on-masterchef-competing-for-250k-prize.html
  27. https://tarletonsports.com/sports/football/roster/kyle-chandler/6488
  28. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/kolby-chandler.html
  29. https://www.al.com/life/2023/09/alabamas-masterchef-cook-on-the-hot-seat-heading-into-hells-kitchens-takeover.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.